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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Young Survivors in Books
Jun 14, 2020
This is not your usual memoir about the Holocaust ... well not one I have ever read before anyway ... it's the true story of what is was like for a family of Jews living in France during World War II.
Written from the perspective of three of the children, the story tells of their harrowing experiences during the German occupation of France and having to move from place to place, losing the adults in their lives and being separated from their siblings.
This is a heart-rending story but also a story of survival, bravery and hope and I want to thank the Duckworth Books Group via JellyBooks for my copy in return for them analysing my reading data and an honest review although this wasn't compulsory.
Written from the perspective of three of the children, the story tells of their harrowing experiences during the German occupation of France and having to move from place to place, losing the adults in their lives and being separated from their siblings.
This is a heart-rending story but also a story of survival, bravery and hope and I want to thank the Duckworth Books Group via JellyBooks for my copy in return for them analysing my reading data and an honest review although this wasn't compulsory.
authentic (2 more)
easy-to-read
funny
Fun, easy-to-read memoir
Anna Faris' memoir is based mainly on the premise of her podcast, also entitled Unqualified, in which she doles out advice to strangers whom she calls on her show. The idea is that Anna is, in fact, "unqualified" to give advice, but she'll do so anyway based on her life experiences. If you actually listen to her podcast, though, you quickly learn that she's pretty good at giving advice, and that she's also a funny and enjoyable person. The book expands on this, allowing Anna to answer some of the questions posed on her podcast (e.g., Dealbreakers), talk about her childhood and experience breaking in acting, and, yes, of course, her various relationships.
Overall, the book feels pretty real and authentic. You quickly get an idea of the kind of person Anna seems to be--kind, funny, talented, and perhaps a little insecure. I'll admit that since I started listening to Anna's podcast, I've felt a kinship to her, and my review is obviously influenced by that. She's so down-to-earth and really damn funny on her podcast. I also love the idea that she lived in her head for much of her childhood, making up stories (it sounds a little familiar, you see). If you like Anna's podcast, it will be hard not to enjoy her book, although some of the chapters and stories will sound a bit familiar if you're a faithful listener.
My love of Anna was only deepened by reading her book, which is quite readable and broken into simple, short chapters. We get glimpses into Anna's childhood, her first big relationship, a little insight into her big break with "Scary Movie," and more. I relate to her on so many levels. We're both fascinated by other people's lives; never had a big group of female friends; have no patience for small talk; are not wedding people; possess an emotional defense built up from our parents; and enjoy calling the numbers on vehicles to report about truck drivers' good driving. She just happens to be a lovely, famous, wealthy actress, and I'm um, well, yes. Otherwise, we're the same, right? ;)
Of course, the elephant in this review is Anna's recent split from her husband, Chris Pratt, who wrote the foreword to the book, which was apparently revised somewhat for publication. It's hard not to psychoanalyze Anna in light of her recent marriage breakup. You read about her self-admitted inability to admit failure and her tendency to jump from one relationship straight to the next. So much of the book is about Chris and their relationship, and it's a shame that it's a distraction from an enjoyable memoir about a really smart and talented woman, who should stand on her own merit, apart from her (soon-to-be-ex) husband. It's also heartbreaking to read these chapters where it sounds like they truly love each other--and where they got through the premature birth of their son together--and know they are no longer married.
Overall, this is a fun, easy-to-read memoir. If you like Anna, her films, or her podcast, you'll probably enjoy this one. It's a quick read, full of lists, humorous moments, and short chapters, although there are definitely serious pieces, too. It really only made me like her more. 3.5+ stars.
Overall, the book feels pretty real and authentic. You quickly get an idea of the kind of person Anna seems to be--kind, funny, talented, and perhaps a little insecure. I'll admit that since I started listening to Anna's podcast, I've felt a kinship to her, and my review is obviously influenced by that. She's so down-to-earth and really damn funny on her podcast. I also love the idea that she lived in her head for much of her childhood, making up stories (it sounds a little familiar, you see). If you like Anna's podcast, it will be hard not to enjoy her book, although some of the chapters and stories will sound a bit familiar if you're a faithful listener.
My love of Anna was only deepened by reading her book, which is quite readable and broken into simple, short chapters. We get glimpses into Anna's childhood, her first big relationship, a little insight into her big break with "Scary Movie," and more. I relate to her on so many levels. We're both fascinated by other people's lives; never had a big group of female friends; have no patience for small talk; are not wedding people; possess an emotional defense built up from our parents; and enjoy calling the numbers on vehicles to report about truck drivers' good driving. She just happens to be a lovely, famous, wealthy actress, and I'm um, well, yes. Otherwise, we're the same, right? ;)
Of course, the elephant in this review is Anna's recent split from her husband, Chris Pratt, who wrote the foreword to the book, which was apparently revised somewhat for publication. It's hard not to psychoanalyze Anna in light of her recent marriage breakup. You read about her self-admitted inability to admit failure and her tendency to jump from one relationship straight to the next. So much of the book is about Chris and their relationship, and it's a shame that it's a distraction from an enjoyable memoir about a really smart and talented woman, who should stand on her own merit, apart from her (soon-to-be-ex) husband. It's also heartbreaking to read these chapters where it sounds like they truly love each other--and where they got through the premature birth of their son together--and know they are no longer married.
Overall, this is a fun, easy-to-read memoir. If you like Anna, her films, or her podcast, you'll probably enjoy this one. It's a quick read, full of lists, humorous moments, and short chapters, although there are definitely serious pieces, too. It really only made me like her more. 3.5+ stars.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Two Rings: A Story of Love and War in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I have been interested in the history of WWII for some time, particularly by the Holocaust. I don't know where the interest began. It has nothing to do with my family. My dad was an infant & my mother not even born. As far as I know no one in my family fought it the war. I think more than anything it is the horror of the situation & that people were able to survive despite the atrocities they faced. Ones I can not even begin to imagine.
This memoir tells the story of Millie Werber & her experiences as a Jew in Poland during the war. I found myself amazed that a young woman could go through what she went through & live to tell the tale. I felt like I was holding my breath as I read. It sounds silly being as it is a memoir & I knew she had written it, but I found myself begging for her to be okay, wanting to know what happened next.
It was a surreal read. This book is incredibly well written. It reads like a top notch thriller, one you long to see made into a box office smash. Yet at the same time you know that it is all real...that the person recounting these "stories" actually lived through them. That in itself makes the ending unbelieveable.
I would reccommend this book to anyone interested in that particular time in history. But also to anyone who enjoys an amazing story of survival where one is least expected to occur. This is one of my favorite books ever. READ IT!!!!!!
This memoir tells the story of Millie Werber & her experiences as a Jew in Poland during the war. I found myself amazed that a young woman could go through what she went through & live to tell the tale. I felt like I was holding my breath as I read. It sounds silly being as it is a memoir & I knew she had written it, but I found myself begging for her to be okay, wanting to know what happened next.
It was a surreal read. This book is incredibly well written. It reads like a top notch thriller, one you long to see made into a box office smash. Yet at the same time you know that it is all real...that the person recounting these "stories" actually lived through them. That in itself makes the ending unbelieveable.
I would reccommend this book to anyone interested in that particular time in history. But also to anyone who enjoys an amazing story of survival where one is least expected to occur. This is one of my favorite books ever. READ IT!!!!!!
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine in Books
Mar 21, 2019
Pros: â–ª Character is relatable â–ª Laugh out loud moments â–ª unpredictable storyline (although I did catch on pretty quick)
â–ª Realistic mental health
No cons today!
Oh Eleanor! What an absolute incredible story. She is the most relatable character I have read about so far in any book.
Like many others this book isnt what I had expected, I'm not really sure what I was expecting but this certainly wasn't it, I avoided reading this for so long because it had been hyped up so much I didn't want to be disappointed. I was not disappointed, actually pleasantly surprised!
I have to admit, I did catch on to the plot twist that is revealed at the end, quite quickly, but even so once I had read it I put it down and thought wow, such clever writing!
This is the first 10 rating I've given since Alex Michaelides, The Silent Patient, after reading that I didn't expect to find another 10 rating so soon.
Gail Honeyman has such a unique yet genuine way of writing, she perfects the descriptive writing concerning mental health and loneliness and keeps it extremely realistic and relatable. I have read many books now where the main character has complex mental health issues but usually the authors get a bit too unrealistic with it, however, Honeyman keeps it realistic, so much so it almost feels like reading a memoir. I wish it was a memoir because I'd love to meet Eleanor in real life and just give her a big hug!
Nobody should ever feel lonely, even more so whilst dealing with mental health, unfortunately that is reality for too many people nowa days.
â–ª Realistic mental health
No cons today!
Oh Eleanor! What an absolute incredible story. She is the most relatable character I have read about so far in any book.
Like many others this book isnt what I had expected, I'm not really sure what I was expecting but this certainly wasn't it, I avoided reading this for so long because it had been hyped up so much I didn't want to be disappointed. I was not disappointed, actually pleasantly surprised!
I have to admit, I did catch on to the plot twist that is revealed at the end, quite quickly, but even so once I had read it I put it down and thought wow, such clever writing!
This is the first 10 rating I've given since Alex Michaelides, The Silent Patient, after reading that I didn't expect to find another 10 rating so soon.
Gail Honeyman has such a unique yet genuine way of writing, she perfects the descriptive writing concerning mental health and loneliness and keeps it extremely realistic and relatable. I have read many books now where the main character has complex mental health issues but usually the authors get a bit too unrealistic with it, however, Honeyman keeps it realistic, so much so it almost feels like reading a memoir. I wish it was a memoir because I'd love to meet Eleanor in real life and just give her a big hug!
Nobody should ever feel lonely, even more so whilst dealing with mental health, unfortunately that is reality for too many people nowa days.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Outrun in Books
Sep 23, 2017
An important read, but a little haphazard
Dealing with an addiction is no mean feat, it's an illness as Amy Liptrot explains in this memoir where she battles alcoholism. Some of the incidents are truly horrifying, not because of 'what she does to herself', but more so what the illness does to her and as a result her life spirals downwards. And while that part I can truly engage with, the random long explanations about her newfound passions for astronomy, sea and bird life seems to go off in a tangent.
You can definitely recognise her addictive personality manifesting in new hobbies, and obsessing in the same way. And at least that's healthier, but as a reader, I seemed to lose concentration on her rural lifestyle. Very good insight into mental health and addiction though.
You can definitely recognise her addictive personality manifesting in new hobbies, and obsessing in the same way. And at least that's healthier, but as a reader, I seemed to lose concentration on her rural lifestyle. Very good insight into mental health and addiction though.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor in Books
Mar 2, 2018
A fantastic and bittersweet insight into the NHS
Adam Kay's memoir of his time as a junior doctor is hilarious, stomach churning and tragic at the same time. In this, he discusses the inhumane conditions health professionals are faced with working ridiculously long hours for minimal pay. All the while celebrating the importance of accessible treatment for everyone, as well as the rather disconcerting cases that arise on a day to day basis.
However, while there are many funny moments of things being stuck in unusual places, it's his last case where a mother dies that strikes me most. Watching life and death is traumatic and there are no support systems for doctors to deal with these issues. But Kay does a wonderful job of bringing his experiences alive.
However, while there are many funny moments of things being stuck in unusual places, it's his last case where a mother dies that strikes me most. Watching life and death is traumatic and there are no support systems for doctors to deal with these issues. But Kay does a wonderful job of bringing his experiences alive.
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) rated Below Stairs: The Bestselling Memoirs of a 1920s Kitchen Maid in Books
Sep 3, 2018
Margaret Powell's memoir Below Stairs is growing up in a poor in money but rich in love with her family in a small village near London, England and her life in domestic service in the 1920s. It is simply wonderful. Her other memoirs Climbing the Stairs and Servants Hall and her Cookery Book are next on my list. It's more like listening to your favorite aunt sitting at the kitchen with you over fresh-baked cookies and glasses of homemade lemonade while retelling stories of her childhood and life in the early part of the 20th century. You HAVE to read it!. Julian Fellowes read her books and they were the inspiration behind the extremely popular BBC series Downton Abbey, that is watched by us in the states on PBS Masterpiece.
4 stars!
I really enjoyed reading this book, I thought it was well written, well edited and it kept my interest from beginning to end. This is not the type of book that I usually go for but going through an unplanned pregnancy alone (under different circumstances) I wanted to read something that I might possibly be able to relate to...and in some way I did. The reason why I knocked off a star was because some of the author's decisions made me a bit twitchy eyed...but hey it's each to their own. Overall, I did enjoy this memoir about an unwanted pregnancy after a one night stand and I felt good to be able to follow the journey of a woman in a similar situation as me but from a different world.
I really enjoyed reading this book, I thought it was well written, well edited and it kept my interest from beginning to end. This is not the type of book that I usually go for but going through an unplanned pregnancy alone (under different circumstances) I wanted to read something that I might possibly be able to relate to...and in some way I did. The reason why I knocked off a star was because some of the author's decisions made me a bit twitchy eyed...but hey it's each to their own. Overall, I did enjoy this memoir about an unwanted pregnancy after a one night stand and I felt good to be able to follow the journey of a woman in a similar situation as me but from a different world.
Emma (519 KP) rated World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie Wars in Books
Aug 13, 2019
I was a bit dubious about this book,having attempted to read it two or three times a while ago,I wasn't sure if I would be able to get into it or not. However once I had persisted with it and got into the writing style Max Brooks uses, it is s really good and very interesting book. It is so very well written that whilst reading it you do actually feel like you are reading a memoir of a war that actually happened. The only reason I haven't given it ten is because it took me a long time to read it, it isn't a book you can pick up and zoom through in a week, you have to spend a bit more time on it than usual.
